What can we learn from Josiah's response to "words of the Law"? Setting the Scene - During temple repairs “Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law of the LORD given through Moses” (2 Chronicles 34:14). - Shaphan read it to King Josiah, “and when the king heard the words of the Law, he tore his clothes” (2 Chronicles 34:19; cf. 2 Kings 22:11). Josiah’s Immediate Reaction • Visible grief: “he tore his clothes”—a public sign of sorrow over sin. • Humble inquiry: “Go, inquire of the LORD for me and for the remnant in Israel and Judah” (2 Chronicles 34:21). • Recognition of divine authority: “Great is the LORD’s wrath that is poured out on us, because our fathers have not kept the word of the LORD” (v. 21). • Swift action: He gathers elders, reads the Law aloud, and “made a covenant before the LORD, to follow the LORD and to keep His commandments” (v. 31). Lessons for Our Hearts Today • God’s Word exposes sin—let it cut deeply instead of deflecting conviction (Hebrews 4:12). • Genuine repentance is emotional and volitional; sorrow must lead to change (2 Corinthians 7:10). • Humility seeks counsel; even a king goes to Huldah the prophetess for confirmation (Proverbs 11:14). • Leadership matters: personal obedience inspires corporate renewal (Romans 5:19, principle). • Delayed obedience risks judgment; Josiah moved immediately, modeling urgency (Psalm 119:60). • Covenant renewal—re-committing to God’s revealed will—remains vital for every generation (Joshua 24:15). • Cleansing follows commitment: he purged idols, restored true worship, and kept Passover “like no Passover had been kept since the days of Samuel” (2 Chronicles 35:18). Practical Steps for Modern Disciples 1. Read Scripture expectantly, asking the Spirit to expose areas needing reform. 2. Respond instantly—repent, confess, adjust habits, and realign priorities with God’s standards. 3. Seek godly counsel when confronted by difficult truths; accountability strengthens obedience. 4. Lead where you are—home, church, workplace—by living out what you learn. 5. Remove modern “idols” (anything prized above God), replacing them with practices of joyful worship. 6. Celebrate grace: just as Josiah reinstituted Passover, regularly remember Christ our Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7). Scriptures for Further Reflection • Deuteronomy 17:18-20 — mandate for kings to copy and read the Law daily. • Psalm 119:9-11 — cleansing power of treasuring God’s Word. • James 1:22-25 — blessing tied to doing, not just hearing, the Word. |
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